Tag Archives: Learning difficulties

People with learning disabilities need more information to help them vote

With less than a year to go until the general election, politicians and electoral officials must do more to drive up votes

. Photograph: Cecilia Colussi/ Demotix/ Corbishar
There are many barriers preventing people with learning disabilities exercising their right to vote. Photograph: Cecilia Colussi/ Demotix/ Corbis

So many major news stories emerged from this year’s local and European elections – from Ukip’s European triumphs to the woes of the Lib Dems and Nick Clegg – that one local controversy went relatively unnoticed. This was the allegation – made by local Labour MP Kate Green – that an unnamed councillor in Trafford had been heard to say in a polling station that a person with a learning disability “shouldn’t be voting”. To her credit, returning officer Theresa Grant immediately launched an investigation into the matter.

Norman Lamb MP opens new cafe in Cromer run by adults with learning disabilities

Norman Lamb MP helps launch the About With Friends cafe in Cromer

Norman Lamb MP helps launch the About With Friends cafe in Cromer. PHOTO: ANTONY KELLY . PHOTO: ANTONY KELLY

Sunday, March 16, 2014
4:21 PM

A cafe run by adults with learning disabilities has been opened in the heart of the high street – providing its staff with the opportunity to gain experience at work.

The About With Friends Cafe in Cromer is run by the charity’s members with help from support staff and will serve a full menu.

The cafe, at the former Blue Danube in Tucker Street, was opened yesterday by MP for north Norfolk Norman Lamb.

Helen Dalton-Hare, chief executive of About With Friends, said it provided a brilliant opportunity.

Patients 'imprisoned' in care homes, report finds

The committee said it was “very concerned by what we heard about the safeguards”

 

The report highlighted the case of Steven Neary, who has autism and a severe learning difficulty.

Vulnerable adults are being kept virtual prisoners in care homes because of misuse of mental health laws, a House of Lords committee says.

The report expressed serious concerns that safeguards brought in to protect vulnerable patients are actually being used to “oppress” them.

It looked at how reforms passed in 2005 are working, but called for a new system to be drawn up from scratch.

The Ministry of Justice said it welcomed the report.